Wire lock expandable connection

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a connector arrangement for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for connecting the tubulars in such a way that the connection is prevented from becoming unmade in response to expansion of the tubulars. A connector mechanically mates a box end and a pin end of the tubulars together to form the connection. Additionally, mating castellations, surface finishes on the pin end and the box end, torque screws, and a variable pitch groove can provide resistance to relative rotation between the tubulars at the connection.

1. A method for connecting a first and a second tubular, comprising:
 stabbing the first tubular into the second tubular to align a variable pitched groove formed on an inside of an end of the first tubular with a corresponding variable pitched groove formed on an outside of an end of the second tubular to form a variable pitched continuous recess through the variable pitched grooves; 
 positioning a connector member into at least a portion of the continuous recess to provide a connection between the tubulars; and 
 expanding at least a portion of the connection radially outward, wherein resistance to relative rotation between the tubulars is maintained after expansion. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein a seal between the tubulars is maintained after expansion. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further including running the connection into a wellbore. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , further including expanding a portion of one tubular with an expander device having at least one radially extendable member. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the connector member severs into at least two pieces upon expansion of the connection. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further including locking the connector member in the continuous groove by a torque locking device. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , further including mating at least one castellation in the first tubular with at least one castellation of the second tubular. 
     
     
       8. An expandable connection for a wellbore tubular comprising:
 a first tubular member having a variable pitched groove formed on an inside surface thereof; 
 a second tubular member having a variable pitched groove formed on an outside surface thereof, wherein the tubular members are mateable to form a variable pitched continuous recess through the variable pitched grooves; and 
 an aperture formed in a wall of the first tubular, the aperture provides a pathway for inserting a connector member into the variable pitched continuous recess, whereby the connector member rotationally and axially fixed the first tubular member to the second tubular member. 
 
     
     
       9. The expandable connection of  claim 8 , wherein the first tubular has at least one castellation for mating with at least one castellation of the second tubular. 
     
     
       10. The expandable connection of  claim 8 , wherein the tubular members include a finish that provides frictional resistance to rotational movement between the tubular members upon expansion thereof. 
     
     
       11. The expandable connection of  claim 8 , wherein the connector member is coated with a sealant. 
     
     
       12. The expandable connection of  claim 8 , wherein the connector member has a least one section that severs upon expansion of the connection. 
     
     
       13. The expandable of connection of  claim 8 , further conprising at least one torque locking device for securing the connector member in the continuous recess.